Switching majors for GPA (and sanity)

[ayesour]

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Alright, so I'm halfway through my sophomore year and my GPA isn't looking too hot. Finished off this semester with a 2.86 GPA and honestly I want to throw up. I knew I was going to have to get my butt in gear with a 3.2 GPA last year, but with an overload of classes this semester and a bout of depression I made it through this semester with pretty much straight Cs. I really just don't know what to do. I've always breezed through school and I didn't really figure out what studying worked for me until the end of the semester. I have strong ECs and always do great on standardized tests, but my GPA makes me so nervous.

I'm an ACS biochemistry major and I really don't know if it's worth it. I LOVE chemistry but this semester kicked my ass with Organic (which I loved, but the curve finished me off with a C+ instead of a B) and Quantitative Analysis (did great in lab but had no idea what to expect on the final, C-). I just can't keep on getting these grades, I know. I'm going to have to bust my ass in my classes from here on out, but is the extra work worth it? I'll have to take pchem and calc 3 and a few other classes that aren't necessary for pre-med. I am thinking of switching to bio. Would it even be that much easier or should I just stick with chemistry?

Also, what kind of things can I do to raise my GPA? I'm going to try to balance my classes out with more electives. Would taking random classes over the summer help? I hate to pay for them when my tuition at school is paid for, so would they bring any extra benefit? What are my options for making me a better applicant to MD schools with my low GPA? I know it can be done, and maybe this was a good wake-up call for me.

 

[gamieg]

figure out what kind of study methods work for you and visit a learning specialist if your school provides them (or possibly even if they don't). this is something you'll do better to address earlier rather than later -- med school will be even higher stakes.

switching majors is up to you, but if you're really passionate a major it seems counterintuitive to switch to something you're less interested in just for the grade boost and a potential one at that. how are you sure biology would be an easier major?

taking "random classes" before figuring out how you study best won't do much. trends are heavily valued, so if you put in the extra work, figure out what works for you, and have a strong upward trend, MD is certainly within reach.

 

[Neuroplasticity]

Instead of adding classes to boost your GPA, I would try to take a lower number of credits and show a strong upward trend (3.8+ for your remaining semesters).

with an overload of classes this semester and a bout of depression

I would also strongly advise against overloading your schedule, I'm fairly confident 15 credits at 3.8 looks better than 20 credits at 2.8. Also ensure the depression is being well treated before continuing.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321508/data/factstablea23.pdf
The table in the link shows that it is not impossible to get accepted with a low GPA, but it is difficult and a high MCAT will help.

 

[efle]

This is tough. I'd tell you to switch to psych or sociology or something, but that will seriously hurt the quality of Plan B options. I agree with the people advising that you take significantly reduced credit load.

 

[Goro]

Being able to demonstrate that you can handle a medical school curriculum.

We don't' care what your major or minor are, only that you do well.

What are my options for making me a better applicant to MD schools with my low GPA? I know it can be done, and maybe this was a good wake-up call for me.

 

[vellez]

Switch to something that is challenging, yet manageable. Biology sounds good. If your plan is medical school, who cares if you are interested in chemistry. You're not going to chemistry school.